Lucky

So, this past Saturday I went to my monthly Nutrition Support meeting. As we were going around the room doing the standard intros of when we had our surgery, how much we've lost, etc... something another woman there said really rubbed me the wrong way. I've lost more weight than she has in less time, and she said "You're so lucky!" I told her right then and there that luck had absolutely nothing to do with it. I've busted my butt and fought for every pound I've lost in the past six months, and I'm still a long way from my goal. I track every calorie that goes in my mouth, and I work hard at being active. I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it, but I feel like attributing any of my success to luck sells all of my hard work short.

The success I've had is the result of a lot of discipline and will power. The fact is, if I want to, I can eat just about anything I want, especially if I take my time, whether it's steak, bread, Cheetos, or ice cream. Some days, all I want to do is lay on the couch eating a mountain of chocolate. Most of the time, I can resist those temptations, but sometimes I give in and I deal with the setbacks they cause.  The issues I have with food didn't magically go away just because I got some restriction in my band. The band helps me eat less, but most of the time, I can still overeat if I choose to. I still have to push myself to get off my ass and go to the gym (which is something I'm working hard at doing more consistently.) I'm building up to four days a week, and my stamina and strength are seeing real improvements. I've lost a total of 41 pounds, and I'm down to 243, which is the lowest I've been in four years. The 230s are on the horizon and I want in! So it's more of tracking on My Fitness Pal, pushing myself harder and harder on the recumbent bike, and climbing uphill on the treadmill. The only way to get there is dedication and hard work. I still doubt myself, and I still wonder if I can really pull this off, but I'm committed to proving to myself that I can do it, one day at a time.

Current weight: 243 lbs, BMI 35.9

 

Starting weight: 284 lbs, BMI 41.9